In May, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa participated in the Nepal Leprosy Conference 2025 held in Kathmandu (May 8–9) and met with health ministers from various countries and senior WHO officials during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland (May 19–27).
Nepal Leprosy Conference 2025
Under the leadership of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal took the historic step of holding the country’s first national-level conference for accelerating the elimination of leprosy and related stigma and discrimination. Over 200 participants, including all provincial leprosy program heads, gathered for two days of presentations and panel discussions.
In his remarks at the opening session, the Prime Minister encouraged aiming for the eradication of leprosy and called for intensification of efforts to eliminate discrimination against persons affected by leprosy.
Minister of Health and Population Pradip Paudel pledged that all ministries would work together and secure resources under a national strategy to achieve zero leprosy by 2030.
A panel discussion on the second day of the conference highlighted the importance of revising laws and systems that enable discrimination.
The Goodwill Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for his support for the conference, noting that the national leader showed immediate enthusiasm for the idea when it was first suggested during a meeting in September. He also expressed his deep respect for the important role played by self-help groups (SHGs) of persons affected by leprosy in early detection, treatment, and awareness-raising activities.
Meetings during 78th World Health Assembly
In Geneva, Switzerland, over the course of three days, May 20–22, the Goodwill Ambassador met with delegations from countries attending the 78th World Health Assembly as well as with high-level officials, including the African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development; the WHO Director-General; and WHO Regional Directors.
Since his appointment as WHO Goodwill Ambassador, Yohei Sasakawa has attended the World Health Assembly almost every year and has conducted intensive advocacy activities to gain cooperation in the fight against leprosy. This year, the World Health Assembly took place under the cloud of an announcement from the United States of America that the country intends to withdraw from WHO and, as of Jan. 20, 2025, would “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources” to the organization. Amid widespread concern about WHO’s financial stability, the Goodwill Ambassador met with delegations from 16 countries, exchanging views on the status of efforts in each country and possibilities for future cooperation.
For eight of the 16 countries, the Goodwill Ambassador was able to meet directly with health ministers to discuss details of their plans for reaching zero leprosy. Topics addressed included advocacy, active case-finding, elimination of discrimination, and meaningful involvement of persons affected by leprosy.
Dr. Alexandre Rocha Santos Padilha, Minister of Health, Brazil
Brazil will hold a national conference in March 2026. President Lula’s support has been confirmed. Brazil and India, the two states with the highest number of leprosy patients, are in communication about how they might cooperate.
Dr. Nassuha Oussene Salim, Minister of Health, Solidarity, Social Protection and Gender Promotion, Comoros
Active case-finding is yielding results. The Goodwill Ambassador was asked to visit and evaluate the program.
Mr. Pierre N’gou Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Côte d’Ivoire
The country is focusing on the role of nurses. They are committed to optimizing treatment systems and strengthening interregional cooperation.
Dr. Ussene Hilário Isse, Minister of Health, Mozambique
The Minister shared information about leprosy in Mozambique and challenges in the northern region. The country’s policy emphasizes the importance of prevention and awareness activities at the community level.
Ms. Jenista Joakim Mhagama, Minister of Health, Tanzania
Tanzania is making coordinated efforts to promote case detection in rural areas, train health workers, and conduct monitoring, while also placing emphasis on the social integration of persons affected. Agreement was reached that the Goodwill Ambassador will visit before the end of the year.
Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health, Indonesia
The Minister is strongly committed to achieving zero leprosy by 2030. Under his direction, screening goals are being accelerated, starting with 200 districts that have not yet met the “elimination as a public health problem” target. The Ministry of Health is also working on responding to instances of fatality linked to severe leprosy reactions as well as developing a system of post-exposure prophylaxis for close contacts. At the 22nd International Leprosy Congress to be held in Bali in July, the Minister and the Goodwill Ambassador will hold a joint session, after which they will travel together to visit endemic areas.
Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of Health, Philippines
The Secretary explained how the country has reduced misdiagnosis through a teleconsultation system based on mobile phones. He stated emphatically that he wants to achieve zero leprosy during his lifetime.
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Sri Lanka
The Minister confirmed that Sri Lanka will hold a national conference in November of this year. The Goodwill Ambassador emphasized the importance of the president’s attendance and the participation of persons affected by leprosy.
